Caplinger Mills Historic District

Caplinger Mills Historic District is an industrial area in Missouri with four main structures, including a mill, dam, power house, and metal bridge. The buildings sit at the Sac River crossing and show how a rural community functioned economically in the 19th century.

Samuel Caplinger founded the settlement in 1849 with a mill that became the economic heart of the region. Rail construction in the late 1800s helped develop the location into an important industrial and trading center.

The architectural elements of the district demonstrate the industrial methods and construction techniques prevalent in late 19th century rural Missouri.

The site sits at Washington Avenue and the Sac River crossing, where all buildings are easy to see from the ground. A short walking route connects the four structures, making a visit straightforward without long distances.

The metal bridge was built in 1895 by the Chicago Bridge Company and still displays its original steel structure. Its two lower truss spans make it a notable example of bridge engineering from that era.